KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron K4 V3 vs V5 Max Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a compact 96% layout with wireless connectivity but are torn between two different design philosophies. The Keychron K4 V3 uses a tray mount with north-facing RGB LEDs and Bluetooth 5.2, offering a more traditional feel. The Keychron V5 Max upgrades to a gasket mount design with a PC plate, includes 2.4 GHz wireless alongside Bluetooth 5.1, and provides south-facing RGB for better keycap compatibility. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a lower price point and familiar tray-mount typing or a more modern, flexible build with dual wireless modes.

91
Keychron K4 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 3
97
Keychron V5 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (4)
4.8 (21)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PC, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, White, South-face, Rgb South-face, White South-face, North-face, Rgb North-face, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 925 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 392 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 82
  • Build Quality: 84
  • Productivity: 95.2
  • Customizability: 97.6
  • Portability: 54.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Keychron K4 V3
Name
Keychron V5 Max
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-UK, ISO-DE, ISO-CH, ISO-Nordic, ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, White, South-face, White South-face, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PC, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 392 mm
Weight
-
Weight
925g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

If you are a gamer or modder who values low-latency 2.4 GHz wireless and a more flexible typing feel, the Keychron V5 Max is the clear pick. If you are a programmer or content creator who prioritizes adjustable ergonomics and Mac compatibility, the Keychron K4 V3 is the better choice at a lower cost. Both are strong 96% wireless keyboards, but your mounting preference and wireless needs will ultimately decide the winner.

Keychron K4 V3

  • +Three levels of adjustable typing angle (5, 8, and 11 degrees) for ergonomic customization.
  • +North-facing RGB LEDs provide vibrant backlighting compatible with shine-through keycaps.
  • +Available with an aluminum frame option for added rigidity and premium feel.
  • +Includes a dedicated set of Mac-specific media keys and both Mac and Windows keycaps.
  • +Offered at a lower starting price point, making it a budget-friendly entry into 96% wireless keyboards.
  • −Tray mount design transmits more keystroke vibration and offers less acoustic flexibility for modders.
  • −Only Bluetooth 5.2 wireless without 2.4 GHz support, which can lead to higher latency in wireless gaming.
  • −Non-hot-swappable versions exist; buyers must verify the variant to ensure hot-swap capability.

Keychron V5 Max

  • +Gasket mount with a polycarbonate plate provides a softer, more flexible typing feel and dampened acoustics.
  • +Dual wireless modes: 2.4 GHz for gaming and Bluetooth 5.1 for general multitasking.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference when using Cherry or OEM profile keycaps.
  • +Includes USB-C and USB-A receivers stored in a magnetic slot within the keyboard.
  • +Higher customizability score due to its gasket mount and plate options for building enthusiasts.
  • −ABS plastic case may feel less premium than the K4 V3's optional aluminum frame.
  • −Typing angle is fixed at 4 degrees with a 2mm foot height, offering less adjustment than the K4 V3.
  • −OSA profile keycaps are not shine-through, limiting RGB visibility for some users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K4 V3 leads in programming and content creation due to its adjustable typing angle, north-facing RGB, and Mac-friendly media keys. The V5 Max excels in gaming and modding, thanks to its 2.4 GHz low-latency wireless and gasket mount structure for a more flexible typing experience. Both are tied for office and travel use, as they share the same layout, battery capacity, and overall portability. The decision often comes down to whether you value a flexible typing feel and dual wireless modes (V5 Max) or a more traditional mount with adjustable ergonomics and premium frame options (K4 V3).

GamingKeychron V5 Max
  • •V5 Max offers 2.4 GHz wireless with a 1000 Hz polling rate, reducing latency compared to Bluetooth.
  • •Both keyboards have the same 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode, but the V5 Max's 2.4 GHz mode provides a competitive advantage.
  • •V5 Max includes dual USB-C and USB-A receivers for quick plug-and-play gaming setups.
OfficeTie
  • •Both feature a 96% layout with a number pad, great for data entry.
  • •Both support QMK and VIA for workflow-specific macro programming.
  • •Both have 4000mAh batteries for long wireless sessions.
  • •V5 Max has a quieter gasket mount, while K4 V3 uses a stiffer tray mount.
ProgrammingKeychron K4 V3
  • •K4 V3 has a 5-degree fixed typing angle plus adjustable legs (5 to 8 to 11 degrees) for ergonomic comfort.
  • •K4 V3 uses north-facing RGB, which can better illuminate shine-through keycaps for low-light coding.
  • •Both offer full QMK and VIA support for remapping keys and macros.
TravelTie
  • •Both have similar portability scores and compact 96% footprints.
  • •Both house a 4000mAh battery, offering comparable battery life.
  • •V5 Max is heavier at 925g vs K4 V3's unspecified weight, but both are portable.
  • •K4 V3 uses only Bluetooth 5.2, while V5 Max adds 2.4 GHz for flexibility, but both are wireless.
ModdingKeychron V5 Max
  • •V5 Max has a gasket mount design with a PC plate, preferred for a softer, more moddable typing feel.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, but V5 Max scores higher in customizability due to its more flexible mounting system.
  • •V5 Max uses south-facing RGB, avoiding interference when installing Cherry or OEM profile keycaps.
  • •V5 Max includes sound-absorbing foam and a PC plate for acoustic tuning.
Content CreationKeychron K4 V3
  • •K4 V3 supports up to 3 devices via Bluetooth 5.2 and includes Mac-specific media keys.
  • •K4 V3 provides a 5-degree adjustable typing angle for comfort during long editing sessions.
  • •K4 V3 comes with an aluminum frame option for a premium feel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

92
$69
Keychron K4 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K4 Pro
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$84
Keychron K10 QMK Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (ISO Layout) - Version 2
Keychron K10 V2
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

95
$100
Keychron Q6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$90
Keychron Q5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$54
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount